Wisdom Calls
1 Does not wisdom call, and understanding raise its voice?
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{Atop the heights} beside the road, at the crossroads she stands.
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Beside gates, before towns, [at the] entrance of doors, she cries out:
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"To you, O {people}, I call, and my cry is to the children of humankind.
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Learn prudence, O simple ones; fools, learn {intelligence}.
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Listen! For noble things I will speak, and upright things from the opening of my lips.
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My mouth will utter truth, and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.
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All sayings of my mouth [are] in righteousness; none of them are twisted and crooked.
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All of them are straight to him who understands, and upright to those who find knowledge.
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Take my teaching and not silver; may you choose knowledge rather than choice gold.
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For wisdom is better than jewels, and all desires shall not compare with her.
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I, wisdom, live with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
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The fear of Yahweh [is] hatred of evil, pride, and arrogance and an evil way. And I hate a mouth of perversity.
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{Advice and sound judgment} are mine; I am understanding, {strength is mine}.
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By me kings reign, and rulers decree righteousness.
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By me rulers rule, and nobles--all judges of righteousness.
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I love {those who love me}, and those who seek me diligently shall find me.
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Fortune and glory [are] with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
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My fruit is better than gold, even refined gold, and my yield than choice silver.
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In the way of righteousness I walk, in the midst of paths of justice,
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[in order] to endow those who love me [with] wealth, and I will fill their treasuries.